Web Conferencing as a Pedagogical Tool

Abstract

Web conferencing is videoconferencing using Internet connections. When it is applied in educational environments, it enables a new paradigm for teaching through a face-connected classroom. This chapter presents results from a Brazilian study at the University of Brasilia (UnB), where Web conferencing is being used as the primary teaching tool in an academic master´s degree course. The research focus is the transposition of the teachers’ roles from traditional to a face-connected virtual classroom. Special attention is given to Web conferencing as an implementer for teaching and learning in collaborative communities.